Stony Brook University Hosts its First “Great Strides Walk” to Combat Cystic Fibrosis

On Sunday, June 5, more than 550 Long Islanders on 40 teams gathered on the Stony Brook University campus for a day of fun activities, including a 5K walk, to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF).

Event Highlights

The day’s event included a performance of the National Anthem sung by Stony Brook University grad Anna Lubitz and a visit from Wolfie, the university’s mascot.

A Hoops for a Cure Contest, with special appearances by the Stony Brook University basketball coaches and players, and sponsored by Chick-fil-A, engaged 20 contestants in a lively hoop shootout. All participants received a special Hoops for a Cure t-shirt donated by a local printer, B.I. Ink, Inc. Team Victoria won a custom designed Stony Brook University basketball “Fight CF” jersey, along with a Chick-fil-A gift — dinners for the entire team.

Although the walk was able to raise $107,000, there is still time to make a donation and have it count toward this year’s goal.

The Connection to Stony Brook

The walk’s presence on the Stony Brook campus is an important one. Stony Brook Children’s Hospital is one of the only 121 hospitals in the country with its own Cystic Fibrosis Center, where CF patients are able to receive highly specialized care.

About Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic disease that causes thick secretions to build up in the lungs that often leads to life-threatening infections. Just a few decades ago, children who were diagnosed with CF often did not live until adulthood.

The good news is, over the years, great progress has been made, and many are living into their 20s, 30s and beyond. But more needs to be done to help ensure that everyone diagnosed with CF has the opportunity to enjoy a long, full life.

About the Cystic Fibrosis Center

The Cystic Fibrosis Center at Stony Brook Children’s is one of only 121 such centers in the country accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This means that the center offers comprehensive care and the latest protocols following Cystic Fibrosis Foundation guidelines.

We offer a team approach involving physicians, nurse practitioners, respiratory and pulmonology function therapists, social workers, a nutritionist and a genetic counselor. Together with the patient and family, the care team constantly refines treatment plans to reflect the changing needs of children as they grow.